Israel has ramped up its Eurovision security operation following its entry’s qualification for the song contest’s final, occurring amidst ongoing controversy and protests. The heightened security measures come after demonstrators, brandishing Palestinian flags, attempted to disrupt Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael’s dress rehearsal yesterday. Shutterstock EditorialA visitor holds up a Palestinian flag during Yuval Raphael’s performance for Israel during the final rehearsal for the second semifinal[/caption]The Mega AgencyRaphael is considered one of the favourites to win the contest, according to bookmakers[/caption]APYuval Raphael is a survivor of the brutal October 7 Hamas attacks[/caption]APAn Israeli fan waits for Yuval Raphael from Israel to perform the song “New Day Will Rise”[/caption]

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the brutal October 7 Hamas attacks, was performing ‘New Day Will Rise’ when the protesters, utilizing oversized flags and whistles, attempted to obstruct her act. The disruptive audience members were swiftly removed from the venue, as reported by Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR. Israel’s inclusion in the contest has been a focal point of intense debate, exacerbated by the country’s intense bombardment of Gaza and its ongoing blockade of food and humanitarian supplies. With protests anticipated to escalate as the Eurovision final in Switzerland approaches, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) has issued an advisory to citizens traveling to the event. "International events of this type are a prime target for threats and attacks by various terrorist groups," the council warned. The NSC, in conjunction with Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Ministry, is expected to expand its presence and monitoring activities as the final nears. A situation room will operate over the weekend with two deputies on-site, maintaining constant communication with Israeli citizens. Citizens traveling are required to install the IDF Home Front Command’s emergency alert app to remain vigilant regarding potential security threats. Gilad Kariv, chair of Israel’s Knesset Committee on Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs, stated: "Every Israeli currently in Switzerland should ensure the Home Front Command app is installed." Anti-Israeli activity poses a risk to Israeli supporters and fans in Basel. We requested that the Foreign Ministry’s situation room be fully staffed, with social media monitoring and real-time tracking of planned protests. The NSC advises Israeli citizens to avoid large events affiliated with Israel that don’t offer security protection. Visitors are also cautioned to stay away from protests and demonstrations, and to guarantee access to the phone numbers of local emergency services and the Israeli embassy. The council further advises Israeli citizens to refrain from posting about their location and travel plans on social media. However, the situation room’s head Neria Arnold cautioned that full details of the security plans could not be revealed to ensure the safety of Israelis and the Israeli delegation. Arnold said: "All relevant information was shared with the committee, but we can’t elaborate in public. "We have extended the situation room’s operating hours."

Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have recently called for a debate on Israel’s participation in the contest. There have also been some small protests on the streets of Switzerland – this year’s Eurovision host country. The protest at Raphael’s performance on Thursday’s dress rehearsal did not disrupt her act. She told the BBC that her team played audience noises over her rehearsals "so I can practise when there is distractions in the background." Raphael is considered one of the favourites to win the contest, according to bookmakers – despite the protests and controversies. Similar security efforts were carried out by Israel at last year’s Eurovision in Sweden too. Israel’s secret service Shin Bet sent over a delegation of officials to Malmo to help co-ordinate security arrangements. ReutersA person holds a Palestinian flag on the day of the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest[/caption]The Mega AgencyThe protest at Raphael’s performance on Thursday’s dress rehearsal did not disrupt her act[/caption]